Ever since the Six-Day War in 1967, U.S. foreign policy toward the Middle East has hinged on two key principles: security partnerships and unwavering support for Israel. From weapons deals to military bases, from covert operations to public endorsements, Washington’s footprint in the region has been overwhelmingly militarized and aligned with Israeli interests.

However, over the past week or so, the Trump administration has shown signs that the military-first approach may be falling out of favor. Instead, it appears to prefer economic partnerships, infrastructure development, and diplomatic flexibility—even if that means sidelining Israel’s interests. To understand this shift, it is essential to examine recent events in retrospect.

Trump’s recent visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) provided the clearest indication of this change. KSA pledged to invest $600 billion in economic partnerships with the U.S. across diverse sectors: artificial intelligence, energy infrastructure, aerospace, healthcare, and critical minerals. In addition, tech giants like Google and Oracle announced multiple joint ventures with Saudi Data Volt, while companies like Boeing secured multi-billion-dollar deals.

Crucially, this wasn’t just about defense, as it often had been. These were economic partnerships designed for long-term mutual benefit, shifting the U.S.–Saudi........

© The Spine Times